Our transport links are already 30 years behind those across Europe

might enjoy rapid TransPennine travel by the time they are parents themselves.

The plan explains that our hopelessly inadequate transport infrastructure is a key factor holding back the economy of the North, where the annual income per person is £7,500 below the average for the rest of England.

Comparable regions elsewhere in Europe have not only had high speed travel between cities for years they also have suburban road and rail networks that put ours to shame. When you are 30 years behind the times you should not be aiming partially to put things right in around 30 years time.

Locally, unveiling the detailed scheme for the town centre failed to convince doubters like me that losing our most popular car park is a great way to boost trade.

The one positive town centre trend in recent years has been the emergence of excellent new cafes and coffee shops which have helped to sustain passing trade on Chestergate and Mill Street.

As Marks and Spencer review which stores may close, their busy cafe could help keep ours off the list. The Silk Heritage Centre also benefits from its café, as do the excellent craft-focused local businesses located there.

We do not need more cafes built on Churchill Way car park and drawing trade away from our existing shopping streets. Many comparable towns have retained old cinemas modernised and converted to three screens. We have Cinemac and if, despite Netflix, Amazon and co, Macclesfield really does need seven more cinema screens then they should be put somewhere else.